On October 28, 2022, the remarkable drives made for an exhilarating scene: at precisely 17:14:31, professional racing driver and AMG brand ambassador Maro Engel tackled the track on his final attempt of the day, achieving a phenomenal time on the renowned and challenging Eifel asphalt. The timing was down to the wire as the track was due to close at 17:15. Despite already setting a new best time earlier, Maro Engel was determined to do even better. As conditions improved, he capitalized on the last opportunity and clocked the new official record time of 6:35.183 minutes.
Reflecting on the record lap, Maro Engel expressed, “That was truly an unforgettable experience. I didn’t anticipate achieving such a fast lap time under these track conditions. It was challenging in areas where the track was still damp, adding to the complexity. Optimizing the hybrid drive’s energy deployment was akin to the strategizing done by Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on race weekends. It’s a real test to manage the hybrid system efficiently on a track of this length. Using the DRS function optimally also added to the Formula 1-like feel. I’m grateful for the opportunity and trust vested in me. Driving this incredible car on the Ring was an extraordinary experience.”
Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH, Philipp Schiemer, expressed his pride in the team, stating, “I’m proud of the entire AMG team and all those involved in this project. This success is a testament to their relentless dedication and hard work. While the AMG ONE is typically more suited to a Grand Prix circuit than the Nordschleife, we pushed the boundaries yet again. Being the pioneers to take on the challenges of the Nürburgring with a super sports car makes this project truly unique. I’m thrilled with this outstanding lap time.”
Smart Driving for Optimal Energy Management
The record lap in the hybrid super sports car featuring Formula 1™ technology demanded not just skillful driving but also an intelligent approach: Maro Engel employed a specialized energy management strategy across the 20.8 km Nordschleife. This involved strategic energy conservation, where he couldn’t max out speed on all sections but needed to manage energy efficiently. By utilizing the AMG ONE’s four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system and incorporating techniques like “lift and coast,” Maro optimized energy usage. Additionally, he harnessed energy recovery during braking phases, enabling a top speed of 338 km/h even on the lengthy Döttinger Höhe.
AMG ONE customers can access these variability options as well. This includes the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specially developed for the ONE in collaboration with Michelin, and the standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system delivering top-tier deceleration and stability.
Pioneering the Hypercar Category on the Nordschleife
Mercedes-AMG made history as the first car manufacturer to tackle the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a hypercar, securing official records in the process. The Mercedes-AMG ONE now stands as not only the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nordschleife but also the leading contender in the Nürburgring “super sports car” category.
The precise lap times were authenticated by neutral experts from “wige SOLUTIONS,” with an independent notary certifying the vehicle’s condition and measurements through an 11-page certificate. Watch the spectacular drive via the video below:
Image Source: patruflo / Shutterstock
